Aston Martin Rapide S becomes first hydrogen car to lap Nürburgring

An Aston Martin has completed what's believed to be the first hydrogen-powered lap around the famous Nürburgring as the automaker prepares to enter its H2-powered hybrid in next month's 24-hour race at the German racetrack.

The Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S made a four-hour run around the track, with Aston Martin chief executive officer Dr. Ulrich Bez at the wheel, no less. The car is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that can run on gasoline, hydrogen or a combination of both. The test drive was in preparation of Aston Martin entering the car in Nürburgring's 24-hour enduro on May 19.

Aston Martin is making a big deal about its hydrogen racer being "the first zero CO2 emissions sports car to complete a race pace lap at the Nürburgring 24-hour race." That may be true, but zero-emission sports carshave tackled the Nürburgring track many times before, just not under hydrogen power. It's the 24-hour part that's admittedly tricky for electric cars.

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